Ogun 1 Command Hits Hard On Smugglers, Seizes 1,109.3kg of Cannabis, 2,169 Bags of Rice, And Others Prohibited Item

The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in a renewed effort  has continued to crack down on Smugglers of illicit drugs and prohibited items, as the command in its anti-smuggling efforts, intercepting and seized 1,128 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1,109.3kg,  2,169 bags 50kg each of foreign perboiled rice and other goods.

These seizures, which has a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00 as announced by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the command,  DC Mohammed Shuaibu during a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters in Idiroko recently were effected in its latest operations.

While speaking with newsmen, the acting Controller emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and a renewed focus on curbing smuggling activities and economic sabotage. He attributed the Command’s successes to strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, underscoring the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Other seizures made within the same period include, 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes, 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres, 4,360 cartons of imported shoes., 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each weighing 25 litres, 20 units of vehicles used for smuggling and 1 unit of foreign-used vehicle, a 2012 model Toyota Highlander.

These items were intercepted at key smuggling hotspots, including Idiroko, Ilaro, the Alamal-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and Ijoun axis, among others. 

Emphasizing on the significance of the key seizures such as: the acting CAC said;
Foreign Rice. The illegal importation of rice undermines Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and disrupts local rice production. Smuggling of this staple food is viewed as economic sabotage, and the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.

Cannabis Sativa. The smuggling of cannabis poses severe risks to public health and safety, fueling criminal activities and jeopardizing community well-being. The Ogun I Command is working closely with other security agencies to eliminate this menace.

Used Clothes. The importation of used clothes is prohibited due to health hazards and its negative impact on the local textile industry, which has the potential to create jobs for millions of Nigerians.

While issuing a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators the Command's helmsman  urged the smugglers to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law. He assured the law-abiding public and legitimate traders in Ogun State that the Command’s operations are targeted exclusively at offenders, and that legitimate trade would be encouraged to foster economic growth.

In conclusion, the Acting CAC expressed gratitude to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the management team for the opportunity of making him an Area Controller. He Commended officers and men of the Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined. He also called on the press to continue their critical role in educating the public on the dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage. In addition, he stated thus, “Together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service,” while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its mandate